15% vs 18% Feed

[jhough42]

I would be very careful with country acres. I hear horror stories about people getting a bad bag now and again and it killing a bunch of their stock.

I'll see who I know up there. I'm not too far from you but I might have someone closer.

The people who taught me what I know handle rabbits very firmly and confidently and get scratched a lot less. It seems when you are "gentle" they tend to freak out more. They respond well to strong, firm handling.

You can always perform the buck test! When I'm not sure one is bred or am having trouble getting one to settle, I try to expose them to the buck at least every two weeks. That way I'm (hopefully) not losing a whole month if she wasn't bred the first time.

 

[Hens and Roos]

I've tied to palpate several of our does, with mixed results. 2 of the does tolerate it better than the other 2. Most of our rabbits are thrilled with being handled, the bucks handle it better than the does for sure. May have to check around in our area and see if I can find someone to teach us as this would be a good skill to have.

What is the best time frame or at what week during pregnancy should one try to palpate? Test with the buck?

With our set up/space we have to use, our bucks are housed by the does.

 

[jhough42]

Testing with the buck just means trying to breed her again. It's not guaranteed but if she is pregnant, being bred again won't hurt her, and if she's not, then you've gained back two weeks you would've lost waiting for a litter. Of course the final option is she's not bred AND she refuses to breed, as commonly happens with overweight does or any doe in the dead of winter.

Best time to palpate is 14-18 days. At 14, the babies should feel firm like a very firm blueberry, and just a little larger, along her reproductive track. Earlier than 14 it's a bit harder to find them, and from 18 days until close to the due date the embryos get very squishy and indescript if you don't know what you're looking for.

If you're struggling with whether you're finding poo or babies, try gently sliding it towards her tail. Poo moves. Babies stay.

I always like to palpate at 28/29 days too to make sure I know if she's about to kindle in case I misread a doe or absorbed a litter. At that point, the kits are fully formed so you can feel their heads. It's pretty cool I think! Much easier too.

 

[P.O. in MO]

I am assuming the buck test means putting them in with the buck and if they are pregnant they will growl or refuse service and if not they will accept the buck? I am fairly new at this but I think I read that somewhere. There was a thread a while back about a raiser who lost a bunch of rabbits and a brand called Countryside Feed was suspect but was not conclusively proven. A change in feed was part of the solution at least, I hope that is the brand you are talking about. I have been using the Country Acres 18% since I started and haven't had any health problems yet. jhough42 whereabouts you at in SW MO? I do get down south once in a while, in fact I need to get down to bass equipment one of these days and maybe Estes Hatchery down around Springfield this spring. Hens and Roos, I am quoting Storey's book again but he says at 10 to 14 days the youngsters should feel like large marbles down either side of the belly just forward of the groin area.

 

[jhough42]

I'm real close to bass! Less than 45 minutes west I believe. I live near neosho. Let me know when you head this way! Where are you located?

 

[P.O. in MO]

I'm around Harrisonville, right off I-49 but your a couple hours away. When I am thinking about going to bass I will get ahold of you and time it so you have a pregnant rabbit so you can show me how to palpate. What breed do you raise?

 

[jhough42]

I have Havanas and nzw. I'm just starting my rabbitry back up (FINALLY) after having to sell everything out whilst moving around for college and my hubby's military. I've missed my buns and will start showing again this season. They are very rewarding. And oh so tasty!

 

[P.O. in MO]

Scared me for a minute there, I didn't think you ate them. I see you have chickens too, what kind?

 

[jhough42]

Just getting started with chickens. I got pretty well cleaned out by a coyote a few weeks ago, down to 4 little hatchery birds. I'm currently hatching some barnyard mix out of them just to try to get some egg production going again sooner rather than later. I'm going to get some sop buff orpington and white leghorn hatching eggs from a guy over in Oklahoma this spring. Also getting some muscovy eggs from a friend here.

 

[P.O. in MO]

Well good luck with all your endeavors. Very good idea with the feed sack and hay in the other thread, will definitely remember that if it happens again. Got chores, good to talk to you. Welcome to the board, also.